28/08/2025
Steve Grady (1936–2025) was more than a pitmaster—he was a steward of tradition, a community cornerstone, and a North Carolina legend. Alongside his wife, Gerri, he founded Grady’s BBQ in Dudley in 1986 and spent nearly four decades quietly perfecting the art of whole-hog barbecue. Their restaurant, a humble white building off the highway, became a culinary pilgrimage site for those in search of true Eastern North Carolina flavor. Steve’s cooking wasn’t just about food—it was about preserving a way of life, honoring his heritage, and serving love on a plate.
Through smoke, fire, and faith, Steve upheld a legacy passed down through generations. He believed in doing things the hard way—the right way. No shortcuts. No pretense. Just oak wood, slow time, and seasoned hands that knew the weight of labor and the joy of feeding people. Grady’s BBQ became a symbol of authenticity not just in Wayne County but across the South. Nationally recognized and locally revered, Steve’s presence at the pit was steady and humble—a quiet confidence that drew praise and admiration without ever seeking it.
His passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy burns on. Steve leaves behind a tradition of excellence that will never be replaced, only remembered and revered. In every bite of cracklin-tipped barbecue, in every story swapped in line at Grady’s, in the enduring love he shared with Gerri—his spirit lives. North Carolina lost a legend, but Steve Grady’s smoke still rises, and with it, the memory of a life beautifully lived.
